Expression of Tra2βin Cancer Cells as a Potential Contributory Factor to Neoplasia and Metastasis

Abstract

The splicing regulator proteins SRSF1 (also known as ASF/SF2) and SRSF3 (also known as SRP20) belong to the SR family of proteins and can be upregulated in cancer. TheSRSF1gene itself is amplified in some cancer cells, and cancer-associated changes in the expression ofMYCalso increaseSRSF1gene expression. Increased concentrations of SRSF1 protein promote prooncogenic splicing patterns of a number of key regulators of cell growth. Here, we review the evidence that upregulation of the SR-related Tra2βprotein might have a similar role in cancer cells. TheTRA2Bgene encoding Tra2βis amplified in particular tumours including those of the lung, ovary, cervix, stomach, head, and neck. BothTRA2BRNA and Tra2βprotein levels are upregulated in breast, cervical, ovarian, and colon cancer, and Tra2βexpression is associated with cancer cell survival. TheTRA2Bgene is a transcriptional target of the protooncogene ETS-1 which might cause higher levels of expression in some cancer cells which express this transcription factor. Known Tra2βsplicing targets have important roles in cancer cells, where they affect metastasis, proliferation, and cell survival. Tra2βprotein is also known to interact directly with the RBMY protein which is implicated in liver cancer.